The future era of redemption will usher in a profound cosmic and psychological shift, a time when the familiar laws of nature dissolve. Reality will enter a unique, transitional state, stripped of the absolute boundaries between day and night, reflecting a period of deep historical and spiritual sorting.
At a physical level, this time is characterized by conflicting natural forces. It might involve a bright, pleasant, and precious light [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ], or perhaps the morning light that shines upon the mountains only to gradually fade away [רש״י]. In stark contrast, there will also be an experience of thick, frozen darkness, as dense as ice [רש״י, מצודת ציון], or a chilling, unpleasant light [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A unique perspective suggests that instead of light, this environment will be defined by thick clouds, indicating a reality where neither light nor clouds exist at all [אבן עזרא].
Beyond these physical descriptions, the primary approach among commentators is that this depicts a historical and mental state of profound uncertainty. It will be a time defined neither by the absolute relief of light nor by the complete distress of thick darkness [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. Caught in this middle ground, the Israelites will find themselves deeply confused, unable to determine whether the unfolding events are leading toward ultimate salvation or toward destruction [מצודת דוד].
On a deeper level, this era signals a dramatic spiritual transformation where the physical light of the world will eventually be nullified entirely. The direct light of the sun, along with the reflected light of the moon and stars, will cease to shine, making way exclusively for the light of God [מלבי״ם]. This physical change mirrors a shift in human comprehension. Deep spiritual secrets that are currently frozen and hidden from our understanding in this world will finally be revealed [מנחת שי]. During the exile, the Divine light is so overwhelmingly intense that it blinds human perception, appearing to people as darkness and thick cloud. However, on that future day, human spiritual senses will be healed. Humanity will become capable of fully absorbing God's supreme light without it seeming dark or frozen [אהבת יהונתן].